Kurt Hartner Obituary

of Monticello, MN
October 25, 1944 – July 4, 2025
Visitation
Monday, August 18, 2025
one hour prior to the service
The Peterson Chapel – St. Michael, MN
Memorial Service
Monday, August 18, 2025
5:00 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel – St. Michael, MN
Interment
Deerfield Cemetery – Sturgeon Lake, MN
Kurt Hartner, 80, of Monticello, Minnesota, passed away on July 4, 2025, after a difficult but brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on October 25, 1944, in Winona, Minnesota, Kurt lived a life marked by service, dedication, and a deep commitment to his family and community.
Kurt built a distinguished career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, where he retired as Relocation Manager and Property Management Supervisor. He also served as President of the Minnesota Bureau of Public Appraisers and helped establish the International Right of Way Association/MnDOT Conference. Upon his retirement from the state in 2003, Kurt continued to serve as a consultant for a number of organizations. His leadership and professionalism left a lasting impact on the agency and on those who worked alongside him-many of whom remain close friends to this day.
A proud veteran, Kurt served as a trained medic in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972, demonstrating his steadfast devotion to his country. Many close friends from American Legion Post 260 in Monticello fondly remember how Kurt would sing the national anthem before each Vikings game-a tradition many have said they will greatly miss.
Beyond his professional and military contributions, Kurt was deeply involved in civic life. In his younger years, he served as a volunteer youth probation officer and was named Junior Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year. In the 1970s and 1980s, he served as a softball umpire and as the American Softball Association District 4 Commissioner. He was a founding member and President of the Hanover Athletic Association (which recently established an annual scholarship in his name), Mason, Shriner, Lion, St. Michael Youth Hockey Board Member, and served 10 years on the St. Michael–Albertville School Board-roles that reflected his passion for youth development and community engagement.
Kurt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ring Hartner, and by his son, Kevin Hartner. He is lovingly remembered by his son Adam Hartner and wife Melissa, with their daughters Alexis, Ella, Kiley, and Meadow; daughter-in-law Beth Hartner and her children Joshua (wife Sydney, son Silas, and new daughter Hartley Jo), Jacob, Joseph, and James; and son Kristopher Hartner and his wife Susanna, along with their children Paul and Kate. Also born to Kurt's parents, Clarence and Evelyn, were his siblings Sandy, Lynn, and Lee. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. In October 2024, 29 family members gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate Kurt's 80th birthday, including an afternoon spent fulfilling his dream of skydiving.
Those who knew Kurt will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His generosity of spirit, kind heart, infectious smile, warm words for everyone he met-and his fantastic sense of humor-touched countless lives.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on August 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Peterson Chapel,, with the memorial service scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Immediately following is a reception at the American Legion in Monticello (), where we will raise a toast to Kurt and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to:
Hanover Athletic Association
P.O. Box 128, Hanover, MN 55341
(Please add "Kurt Hartner Scholarship" to the check memo)
Monticello American Legion Post 260
(Please add "Hartner Memorial" to the check memo)